The European powers addressed Spanish sovereignty in the Sulu archipelago and Spain’s renunciation, as against Britain, of claims over the Borneo territories described as belonging or formerly belonging to Sulu.
Sulu’s Borneo possessions enter a European settlement
Britain, Spain and Germany negotiated their respective positions in the region. Article III describes Borneo territories in relation to the Sultan of Sulu while recording Spain’s renunciation of claims against Britain. The parties’ diplomatic settlement and its description of Sulu’s possessions are separate aspects of the same text.
Why this record matters
Article III places Sulu’s Borneo possessions expressly in the diplomatic record. The agreement was between European powers and must be read in that colonial context.
Sources & further reading
Sabah State Attorney-General’s Chambers
Protocol of 1885, Madrid, 7 March 1885, particularly article III.